In our First Reading, From the Book Of
the Prophet Jeremiah
Jer 17:5-8
Unhappy is the person who trusts in humans alone. Comparing such a person with a shrub in the desert clearly expresses the reason why there can be no lasting happiness.
On the contrary, happy the person who trusts in the Lord! Again, the comparison gives the reason. Such a person is like a fruitful tree planted beside water.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him
in your self-giving.
In the Second Reading, From the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
1 Cor 15:12,16-20
As already mentioned happiness implies hope for more to come. Paul deals with our restless desire for more that reaches even beyond the grave. "If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all." Christianity is that philosophy of life which offers hope to our "restless heart till it rests in God"
In the Gospel of Luke
Lk 6:17,20-26
We should see this sermon as a challenge to perfection directed to all who seriously search for happiness. "Blessed are you who are poor... Woe to you who are rich." It is true that the poor feel the insufficiency of the human condition, hence the need for God, more keenly than the rich do. If the have's are constantly aware that they do not own anything, but that they are just God's stewards, and that having more means more responsibility, then they too will receive their reward in heaven.
God's word to wealthy Christian is: With your money and talent for management, are you actively involved in any program to make the poor help themselves? If there is none, start one! "More will be demanded of the person entrusted with more."
